FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DEMOCRATS FOR EDUCATION REFORM PRESIDENT SHAVAR JEFFRIES DENOUNCES ATTACKS ON HAPPY HAYNES
Defends Haynes’ record of support for Denver families and students
Denver, CO – In response to recent attacks on Denver Public School Board member Happy Haynes, Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) National President Shavar Jeffries released the following statement:
“At its core, the Democratic Party is the party of education; we are the party that stands up on behalf of families and students to ensure that every child, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or the neighborhood in which they were born, gets a shot at a high-quality education. There are few people who are more stalwart supporters of families and children than Happy Haynes. Any implication that her years of service to Denver do not live up to the values of the Democratic Party is insulting, not only to those on whose behalf she’s served, but also to the numerous community leaders who are supporting her reelection.
“These attacks are an insult to every Democrat who has endorsed her—each of whom knows that her commitment to Denver’s families extends beyond petty political fights. Her efforts are recognized by reformers and non-reformers alike because she’s willing to bring people together to do what’s right by our kids. If that type of leadership—if that type of Democrat–isn’t what Denver needs on the school board, I don’t know what is.
“It’s said you can judge a person by their friends. Here are a few of Happy’s friends—so please, judge her by the company she keeps:
Governor John Hickenlooper
Lt. Governor Joe Garcia
Mayor Michael Hancock
Secretary Federico Pena
Former Mayor Wellington Webb
Former Speaker Ruben Valdez
Former Speaker Terrance Carroll
Majority Leader Crisanta Duran
Senator Mike Johnston
Senator Irene Aguilar
Representative Alec Garnett
Representative Lois Court
Representative Angela Williams
Councilman Albus Brooks
Councilwoman Kendra Black
Former Lt. Gov. and DPS Board Member Barbara O’Brien
DPS Board Member Rosemary Rodriquez
DPS Board Member Mike Johnson
DPS Board Member Landri Taylor
DPS Board Member Anne Rowe
Honorable Wilma Webb
Honorable Elaine Berman
Honorable Mary Seawell
Honorable Theresa Pena”
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Contact: press@dfer.org